The purpose of checklists is to make sure specific actions are performed that are necessary for the safety of flight. Relying on memory to perform a set of tasks is perfectly fine as long as it is followed up by using a checklist to confirm that all of the required actions were indeed completed. Consistent use of checklists prevents mistakes and reduces the chance of accidents, especially in non-routine circumstances such as emergencies.
A trim system is a device used to adjust aerodynamic forces on a control surface so the pilot doesn’t have to maintain constant pressure on the flight controls. Its only function is to minimize the workload on the pilot. It is a secondary flight control and should never be used to adjust your airspeed or initiate a climb or descent—it is not a substitute for the elevator.
SPEAK UP if you have questions or concerns about the quality of your flight instruction. You should not tolerate rudeness, a bad attitude, unsafe practices, or substandard training. If you don’t feel comfortable discussing the problems with your CFI, talk to their manager/supervisor, another instructor, another pilot or another flight school. If you have serious safety concerns, find a new CFI immediately. You can also report safety issues to the FAA Hotline at the following link: https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/aae/programs_services/faa_hotlines
The lowest legal cloud ceiling for the 10C RNAV-B approach would be 700 feet and visibility 1 statute mile. Because a normal 3° descent from the MDA would need to begin 2 NM from the threshold and you may not descend below the MDA before you see the runway, you could not land straight in from this approach in minimum conditions.
Because optimal performance is dependent on power settings and air density, pilots need to manually adjust the mixture to compensate for these factors. Running the engine too rich causes excessive cooling and excess unburned fuel may accumulate and foul the spark plugs, valve guides and other engine parts. Too lean may result in a reduction in power output and running too hot, which could ultimately cause serious and expensive damage to internal engine parts.
You may think an instrument rating is only required when the conditions are IFR, but there are times when it is needed even in VFR weather.
The correct 70-50 rule of thumb recommends if you have not attained 70% of your rotation speed by the time you reach 50% of your calculated takeoff distance, you should abort your takeoff. This rule of thumb can only be used as a method to help a pilot decide when they need to abort a takeoff when it is based on this calculation.
Cockpit traffic displays do not necessarily show all other airplanes in the area. What pilots see depends on how their aircraft are equipped, the avionics in the target aircraft and the available services in between.
A VFR flight plan is a form you send to the FAA with a record of your planned flight, including details such as your destination and route. The sole purpose of this procedure is so that they can initiate search and rescue services if something happens to you en route.
There are generally three reasons for circling-only minimums; 1, The final approach course alignment with the runway centerline exceeds 30°; 2, The descent gradient is greater than 400 ft/NM from the FAF to the TCH, or 3, The runway is not clearly defined on the airfield.